40+ Game Day Snacks and Appetizers 2022 is a delicious touchdown-worthy collection of top-rated recipes and menu ideas to help you get ready for kick-off and score big with your family and friends!
Whether you are hosting a college game day party, tailgating, or sitting in a comfy chair at home watching your favorite team on TV, these quick and easy game day recipes are easy to tackle, even for beginner cooks!
After all, in my playbook, a winning menu is just as important as a winning team!
Whether you are cooking for two or for a crowd, this array of recipes and menu ideas includes multiple options for everything you need to score a win in the food department.
I’ve teamed up with my sister Chula at the Pudge Factor Blog to share the best of the best game day food your family and friends won’t be able to resist.
Whether you are looking for a crowd-pleasing favorite such as my Southern Caviar Dip, classic football food such as Easy Pigs in a Blanket, or make-ahead finger food like my Buffalo Baked Chicken Wings, we’ve got you covered.
Best Ever Easy Redneck Caviar Dip – Grits and Pinecones
Best Ever Easy Redneck Caviar Dip aka Cowboy Caviar, Texas Caviar, Black Bean Salsa, Corn and Black Bean Salad, and the list goes on. But, no matter what you call it or how you serve it, this easy-to-make healthy dip/salad/salsa is perfect for tailgating or a game day party.
Best Southern Crispy Fried Oysters – Grits and Pinecones
This recipe features salty, silky, slightly sweet, delectable fried oysters encased in a classic, crispy, perfectly seasoned cornmeal crust.
Every bite is pure oyster bliss with a rich combination of textures and flavors. Quick and easy to prepare, these versatile, restaurant-quality bivalve mollusks are considered a true delicacy. They can be served as a tasty appetizer or a delicious dinner entrée.
Marinated Cheese – Pudge Factor
For a game day appetizer that is sure to WOW your guests, you should try Marinated Cheese. It has alternating layers of sharp Cheddar cheese and cream cheese, topped with an incredible marinade. Marinated cheese is a snap to make and is awesome to serve.
Easy Cheesy Hot Corn Dip – Grits and Pinecones
With a name like Easy Cheesy Hot Corn Dip, you would think that this delicious dip would be full of yummy corn and cheesy goodness, and you would be right!
And, with a name like Easy Cheesy Hot Corn Dip, you would think that this southwestern-inspired dip would be perfect for serving as a game day appetizer, and you would be right about that too!
Layered Shrimp Cocktail Spread – Pudge Factor
If you like shrimp cocktail, you’ll love this Layered Shrimp Cocktail Spread. It’s quick and easy to prepare and tastes as good as it looks! It consists of spicy cocktail sauce and succulent shrimp on top of a savory cream cheese base.
Easy Mardi Gras Hot Muffuletta Dip – Grits and Pinecones
Easy Mardi Gras Hot Muffuletta Dip is a tantalizing game day dip and the perfect football party food. It’s made with tasty green olives, salami, provolone cheese, and tangy giardiniera.
Quick and Easy Fried Crab Claws – Grits and Pinecones
Fried Crab Claws, sometimes called Fried Crab Fingers or Fried Cocktail Crab Claws, are a quick and easy appetizer or main dish. This simple recipe features blue crab claws soaked in buttermilk, dredged in seasoned corn flour, and deep-fried until golden brown, crispy and delicious.
With only a few ingredients and twenty minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality appetizer or main dish ready to serve.
Tasty Egg Salad Sliders – Pudge Factor
Why not make some tasty egg salad sliders for your game day party? They have two main ingredients – egg salad and slider buns. I prefer to make my slider buns, but you could certainly buy them already made. You could also use your egg salad recipe, but you should try mine – it’s delicious!
Make-Ahead Buffalo Chicken Dip – Grits and Pinecones
If you love Buffalo wings, you will love this dip! It tastes just like the wings but without the mess, and it’s a perfect game day snack!
Simple Four Cheese Quesadillas – Grits and Pinecones
Simple and full of flavor, homemade Four Cheese Quesadillas feature a Mexican blend of melted cheesy goodness with Monterey Jack, Asadero, Cheddar, and Queso Quesadilla cheeses wrapped in a hot, crunchy flour tortilla.
Quick and easy to make on the stove, with only four ingredients and a few steps, cheese quesadillas are ideal for serving as an appetizer or snack at your game-day bash!
Southern Cheese Straws – Pudge Factor
Cheese Straws are a highly addictive southern game-day appetizer. Crispy and buttery, Southern Cheese Straws are amazing when paired with an adult beverage or just by themselves. It’s impossible to eat just one!
Easy Pigs in a Blanket – Grits and Pinecones
When game day rolls around, be sure to serve touchdown-worthy appetizers and game-day party food like these classic Easy Pigs in a Blanket.
Easy Cheesy Sausage Balls – Pudge Factor
Easy Cheesy Sausage Balls are an easy game-day snack. With only three ingredients, these little gems have it all.
They’re super simple to make, taste incredible whether you eat them warm or at room temperature, freeze beautifully, and are just as good reheated. Who could ask for more?
Cast-Iron Skillet Macho Nachos – Grits and Pinecones
Some folks like to watch football, and some are just in it for the food. These, no silverware necessary, Skillet Macho Nachos are perfect for either group.
Mini Reuben Croustades – Pudge Factor
If you like Reuben sandwiches, you’ll love these delectable bite-sized morsels! They are the perfect game-day party food.
Crispy Buffalo Wings – Grits and Pinecones
I think there may be a law that mandates serving Buffalo Wings at game day parties.
If not, there should be! It’s inconceivable that you would even consider having a football party without buffalo wings!
Make-Ahead Mushroom Croustades – Pudge Factor
Make-Ahead Mushroom Croustades are the perfect bite-sized game day appetizer.
With rich and creamy mushroom filling in a crispy toasted bread shell, they will WOW the most discerning football aficionados.
Quick and Easy Buffalo Shrimp – Grits and Pinecones
If you like shrimp and spicy foods, Quick and Easy Buffalo Shrimp is for you! Simple to prepare, this football finger food will quickly become your go-to game day snack. It’s the perfect marriage of fresh, briny shrimp and spices.
Easy Chicken Ranch Dip – Grits and Pinecones
I think there is a saying that “nothing in life is easy,” but, in the case of this delicious and easy Chicken Ranch Dip, nothing could be further from the truth. Easy Chicken Ranch Dip is a wonderful addition to your game day or tailgating party menu.
Bang Bang Chicken – Pudge Factor
Bang Bang Chicken is a perfect appetizer for a game day party. It features extra crispy chicken bites drizzled with an amazing creamy sweet chili sauce. On top of that, it’s quick and easy to prepare!
Easy Artichoke Stuffed Mushrooms – Grits and Pinecones
Artichoke Stuffed Mushrooms are a delicious snack for a game day party, an easy football party appetizer, or the ultimate finger food.
Tasty Taco Cups – Pudge Factor
Tasty taco filling layered with melted cheese in crispy wonton wrappers makes the perfect game-day appetizer. What’s even better is that they’re super easy to make and just as yummy made ahead of time and reheated!
Baked Bacon Ranch Jalapeño Poppers – Grits and Pinecones
Try my favorite recipe for Baked Bacon Ranch Jalapeño Poppers. These game day snacks are also one of the easiest finger foods to make and the perfect party appetizer.
Fried Loaded Potato Balls – Pudge Factor
Wow, your family and guests with these fried, loaded potato balls. Crispy on the outside and filled with baked potatoes, cheese, and bacon, they make the perfect make-ahead game day appetizer. or side dish.
Brown Sugar Glazed Bacon Wrapped Shrimp – Grits and Pinecones
Brown Sugar Glazed Bacon Wrapped Shrimp is the ultimate appetizer or can be an amazing entree! Perfect for a crowd on game day or a holiday party, or just a cozy evening for two!
Game Day Snack Mix – Grits and Pinecones
Game Day Snack Mix is the ultimate game day snack. Whip up a batch today with your favorite team colors to nibble on while you watch the game!
Relish Trays – Grits and Pinecones
How about a beautiful, family-friendly and flavorful relish tray for your next game day party? Discover creative and modern ideas for quickly putting together these classic platters for game day parties and other special occasions.
Easy Cheesy Zucchini Bites – Pudge Factor
Easy Cheesy Zucchini Bites are loaded with grated zucchini, breadcrumbs, and cheddar cheese. They’re the perfect appetizer eaten plain or dipped in ketchup or spicy marinara.
The mixture can be made ahead of time and baked when you need them. Also, the leftovers are just as good when they’ve been refrigerated and reheated. Did I mention that they are super easy to make?
Bruschetta with Citrus Roasted Olives and Burrata – Grits and Pinecones
How about serving up flavorful Bruschetta with Citrus Roasted Olives and Burrata for a game day or Super Bowl party? Close your eyes and imagine a buttery, toasted baguette slice topped with heavenly burrata, the queen of Italian cheeses.
As if that wasn’t enough, roasted green and black olives coated with a citrusy glaze are the crowning glories topping this tasty dish.
Every last bite is full of creamy, briny, crunchy deliciousness!
Wonton Mac & Cheese Bites – Pudge Factor
Wonton Mac & Cheese Bites take the ultimate comfort food to new levels. They are the perfect appetizer for young and old. Three-cheese macaroni and cheese is packaged in a crispy wonton cup and topped with melted cheese and crumbled bacon.
What’s even better is that they can be made ahead of time, frozen, and reheated just in time to WOW your friends and family.
Easy Loaded Air-Fryer Potato Skins – Grits and Pinecones
Easy Loaded Crispy Potato Skins, full of melted cheese and bacon, are an air-fried baked retro appetizer that harkens back to the late 1970s.
They are the ultimate party food and a make great football party finger food.
Cajun Pork Boulettes with Spicy Dip – Pudge Factor
Cajun Pork Boulettes with Spicy Dip is an amazing appetizer. They are perfect for football parties and are easy to put together, albeit a bit time-consuming.
The Cajun Pork Boulettes can also be made ahead of time and freeze beautifully. What more could you ask?
Quick and Easy Hanky Pankies – Grits and Pinecones
If you have never had a Hanky Panky, you are in for a treat! There is nothing improper about this Hanky Panky Recipe for old-fashioned, delicious cocktail rye bread appetizers, topped with a combination of sausage, hamburger meat, and, what else, lots of gooey cheesy goodness!
Fromage Fort – Pudge Factor
Fromage Fort, meaning “strong cheese” in French, is an easy and delicious cheese spread made with leftover cheeses in your refrigerator.
It takes minutes to put together and produces an awesome appetizer that your guests will rave about.
Easy Southern Boiled Peanuts – Grits and Pinecones
If you are not from the South or haven’t spent much time here, you may have never tasted boiled peanuts (aka goober peas). But, they are a classic game day appetizer, and for a good reason.
Everyone loves them!
Loaded Crispy Crown Cups – Pudge Factor
Loaded Crispy Crown Cups are crispy potato cups filled with your favorite loaded baked potato fixin’s. Crispy Crowns form the Cups that are topped with melted cheese, sour cream, and crumbled bacon.
Sound amazing? Well, they are! Be sure to make plenty; they disappear quickly.
Hot and Cheesy Baked Shrimp Scampi Dip – Grits and Pinecones
Hot and Cheesy Baked Shrimp Scampi Dip is everything the name implies! Fresh, briny juicy gulf shrimp are sautéed in butter, garlic, and white wine and then mixed with cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses.
Then, they are baked until the lemony breadcrumb topping is golden brown and crusty.
Spinach Artichoke Bread Ring Dip – Pudge Factor
Spinach Artichoke Bread Ring Dip combines homemade rolls with an amazing Spinach Artichoke Dip. And guess what? The food processor does most of the work, including the kneading of the bread dough!
This eliminates the need for a stand mixer or bread machine to produce awesome rolls!
Easy Marinated Bacon Wrapped Scallops – Grits and Pinecones
Easy Marinated Bacon-Wrapped Scallops are a sweet and salty, flavorful, make-ahead appetizer. They are perfect for a game day party or anytime you want to whip up a batch of delicious snacks or appetizers.
Parmesan Garlic Oyster Crackers – Pudge Factor
Parmesan Garlic Oyster Crackers are insanely easy to make and insanely addictive. They take minutes to put together and are a perfect munchie for any occasion or an anytime snack.
Wonton Jalapeno Popper Bites – Pudge Factor
If you like jalapeño poppers, you’ll love Wonton Jalapeño Popper Bites. The wonton wraps are stuffed with an amazing filling and baked to crispy perfection.
They’re super easy to make and can be eaten hot, warm, or cold. What’s even better is that they can be made ahead of time and reheated for 5 minutes before serving.
Cheesy Creole Shrimp Toast – Grits and Pinecones
Cheesy Creole Shrimp Toast is a delicious, quick, and easy (and mostly make-ahead) appetizer perfect for a football game day party.
Sausage & Cheese Cresent Ring – Pudge Factor
Sausage & Cheese Crescent Ring transforms three simple ingredients into an amazing and crowd-pleasing dish. Watch it quickly disappear when served at your game-day party!
The Ultimate Easy Smoked Queso Dip – Grits and Pinecones
The Ultimate Easy Smoked Queso Dip brings all the things you love about a great appetizer into a zesty, delicious, smoky, and cheesy dip. If the words spicy, queso, Tex-Mex, bacon, corn chips, sausage, and melted cheese send you into sensory overload, this best-ever smoked queso dip recipe is calling your name.
Just the thing to begin a backyard cookout, potluck dinner, a game-day party, or even a fun Cinco de Mayo party, smoked queso on the grill or smoker will spice up any get-together. Cooked in a cast-iron skillet, it is brimming with not one but two kinds of cheese, creamy Velveeta cheese and pepper-jack cheese, for an extra kick.
Frequently asked questions:
It depends on the area of the country you are in, but in the South, we take our college football seriously and our football party food even more seriously.
The top ten football foods in the South include chicken wings, buffalo chicken dip, pizza, nachos, chips and dips, pigs in a blanket, potato skins, burgers and sliders, cheese and crackers, and relish or vegetable trays.
You want finger foods that travel well, that can be made ahead, and can be eaten at room temperature.
Some good examples are boiled peanuts, caviar dip, sliders, cheese straws, pigs in a blanket, sausage balls, and game day snack mix.
Nachos, caviar dip, buffalo chicken dip, chicken ranch dip, relish or vegetable trays, crackers and cheese trays, marinated cheese, Fromage fort, and shrimp cocktail spread.
All of these recipes require minimal preparation, and most can be made ahead.
Sharon’s tips
- When planning your party menu, keep in mind your guests’ dietary restrictions and try to choose a variety of foods with different textures, colors, and flavors.
- Look for appetizer and snack recipes that can be made ahead of the big day, and don’t be afraid to purchase fillers such as mixed nuts or assorted cheeses.
- Plan on four to six bites per hour, per guest. Of course, this can vary widely depending on what you are serving, whether your guests are male or female, the length of your party, and the time of day. The more dishes you have to choose from, the less you will need of each dish.
- If you and your guests will be watching the game on TV, you can expect it to last about three hours. For tailgating, you can figure an hour to several hours before the game.
- Above all, the last thing you want to be is stressed on the day of your party. You are supposed to have a good time too. Keep it simple! Also, there is nothing wrong with asking each guest to bring a dish.
★★★★★ If you make any of these recipes, please leave a comment. I would love to know how you liked it!
Thank you so much for visiting Grits and Pinecones. I hope you come back soon!
I am loving the look of Bang Bang Chicken. I want to try it today.